Currying flavour as Nation Curry Week is celebrated

Curry houses across our area have been getting into the spicy swing of National Curry Week.

Cleckheaton eatery Aakash, which was crowned the world’s biggest Indian restaurant when it opened, is celebrating the only way it knows how – by unveiling a brand new curry.

Restaurant manager Azhar Mahmood said: “I certainly believe that curry is more popular than it ever has been.

“While Britain will always love its fish and chips, curry is special because there are so many varieties out there and there is something for everyone.

“This is why we want to be able to be as inclusive as possible – I have had meetings with my chef and we plan to bring out a vegan curry this week.”

But it’s not just about eating out, according to one One Dewsbury-based company that has had recent success in the curry market. Paresh Tejura, owner of the Saviletown-based Curry Cuisine, believes National Curry Week is a perfect opportunity for spice-lovers to try their hand cooking curries in their own homes - and supplied us with a recipe to share with readers.

He added: “I think the UK’s love affair with Indian food and particularly curry shows no sign of ending soon, research shows the average Brit splashes out about £20 a month cooking curries. I want encourage and inspire people to make authentic Indian food that can be made at home.” Communities secretary Eric Pickles MP said also championed curry week.

He said: “Britain just wouldn’t be the same without the colour and vibrancy of Asian restaurants up and down the country. Let’s celebrate the immense contribution of the Asian Cuisine industry to our country’s economy and culture.”

We asked our readers on Facebook about their favourite spicy concoctions, and we had a flood of responses.

Andy Kirby said: “Chicken tikka masala is an English dish. I’ve recently have become very interested in British-Indian style cooking. But Ian Dolph French didn’t agree, he said: “It’s all about the chicken karahi. Masalas are for people who don’t like to experiment with other dishes.”

The lamb madras camp also had strong support, with both Karen Ingham and Ady Thewliss both confessing their love for the dish. For more information on National Curry Week, visit www.nationaleatingoutweek.com.